- Controversy continues to shake the Jubilee Party led by Uhuru Kenyatta as members question its position within the Opposition and the transparency of the selection of candidates
- Former Member of Parliament Wambugu Ngunjiri has asked for clarification on the appointment of Fred Matiang’i as Jubilee’s presidential candidate, saying the process was unclear and not in line with the party’s structure
- He warned that unilateral decisions and lack of transparency could undermine Jubilee’s legacy, discourage members and weaken the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Controversy continues to plague the Jubilee Party led by Uhuru Kenyatta with the 2027 General Election approaching.
Source: Twitter
Some members of the party, which is part of the United Opposition, have recently raised concerns about what they say is the disdain of Jubilee within the coalition as well as the lack of transparency in the selection of candidates for important positions.
The former Member of Parliament for Nyeri Town, Wambugu Ngunjiri, wrote a letter to Uhuru, the leader of the party, asking for clarification on the criteria used to elect the former Internal Security Minister Fred Matiang’i, and also on the position of Jubilee within the United Opposition.
According to him, the party is controlled by other coalition partners, mentioning Rigathi Gachagua for his efforts to make Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) the face of the coalition. “In addition, I request an official position from the party leadership regarding the broad nature of Jubilee’s relationship with other political coalitions,” he said.
Ngunjiri expressed his concern about the lack of well-planned dialogue with other parties within the United Opposition, warning that the situation could jeopardize Jubilee’s efforts to revive itself before the 2027 elections.
He said Jubilee candidates may find themselves removed from the political calculations if there is no clarification.
“We want clarification on whether there is a formal or informal system of political cooperation or an agreement between Jubilee and any other party that will affect the candidates for election in 2027; and what the agreement entails. And also how the plans are compatible with developing the broad goals, values and long-term interests of the Jubilee Party,” he said.
He added that:
“Transparency in these matters is important to maintain trust within the party and to its members, including those seeking leadership positions, and to ensure members understand the direction the leadership is directing the party.”
Arguments regarding the appointment of Fred Matiang’i
Regarding Matiang’i being Jubilee’s presidential candidate, Ngunjiri said the process used to appoint him was not clear and did not fully follow the party’s structures and procedures.
He wanted to know if the decision to nominate Matiang’i to run for the presidency in 2027 is final and cannot be challenged.
“I request answers about whether Matiang’i is the only candidate for the party’s presidency; if so, on what basis was the decision reached; whether there is room within the party’s constitution and the democratic system for other qualified members to compete for the presidential ticket; and whether members who have doubts about Matiang’i’s leadership style are allowed, according to the party’s rules, to recommend and support another candidate,” he said.
Ngunjiri explained that his questions reflect the frustration of many Jubilee members who are not satisfied with recent developments within the party.
He warned that unilateral decisions are beginning to dominate, which threatens the foundations and principles on which Jubilee was built.
He emphasized that his action is not rebellion but a good effort to strengthen the party.
“It is unacceptable for the legacy and strength of the Jubilee institution to be weakened by decisions that appear to support individuals or political structures that may weaken the party, or candidates who want to run through its ticket. Many members remember their commitment to building and protecting this party, and expect its leadership to protect it with the same commitment,” he said.
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